Aftercare
Don’t plan to go out right after your tattoo. You have an open wound. Treat it as such.
Go home and rest.
How to Take Care of Your Tattoo
You finally did it. You got the tattoo you always wanted. It’s bright and it’s colourful. But now you have to take care of it to make sure you don’t get a skin infection. So how do you even know what the right steps are?
​
Click in the photos for product link and specific details
Bandage
Your artist will sanitize and apply a bandage to your tattoo. You can keep it for a maximum of 3 days. All the aftercare mentioned below is done counting the day of removal of the bandage. If you notice any reaction to the bandage remove it straight away, do not wait.
To properly remove the bandage do not peel it like a sticker (lifting), but like a command tape, stretching it. It will prevent wounds and cuts and damage to the tattoo design.
Step 1: Clean
Wash it with a gentle anti-bacterial soap and let it air dry or use a clean paper towel.
Avoid using your bath towel, as it's most likely dirty and could harbour bacteria.
Avoid scratching or touching. Let it breathe and wear loose clothing, if possible.
​
It's important to keep the skin clean and hydrated after getting a new tattoo.
Avoid harsh scrubs or exfoliating products. You want to cleanse the skin without compromising the integrity of the skin barrier.
​
Quantity: Small amount proportional to tattoo size
Frequency: Twice a day
-
Provides antibacterial protection
-
Lightly fragranced
Step 2: Hidrate
Aquaphor is a classic for a multitude of skin ailments, especially in the wintertime.
It's also great for protecting your freshly inked skin immediately following your tattoo session.
Apply Aquaphor for the first two days following your tattoo, and then a basic moisturizer for two weeks after that. Many people opt for Vaseline, but I recommend Aquaphor instead and advise against Vaseline for this phase of the aftercare routine.
​
Quantity: Small pea size amount for small tattoos/ Cofee bean amount for bigger pieces
Frequency: Twice a day after washing
-
Decreases itching and flaking
-
Protects your skin barrier
Step 3: Maintain
Aveeno is gentle and unscented and is a great option for a basic moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
Apply Aveeno on the third day following your tattoo and keep using it for two weeks after that. Many people keep using Aquaphor or Vaseline, but I recommend Aveeno instead and advise against Vaseline for this phase of the aftercare routine.
​
Quantity: Small pea size amount for small tattoos/ Cofee bean amount for bigger pieces
Frequency: Twice a day after washing
-
Moisturizes skin for 24 hours
-
lightweight to use on tattoos during healing
Step 4: Keep it Bright
I praise lotions with vitamin B5 for tattoo care. I am partial to Lubriderm lotions, like this one that contain no fragrances.
-
Moisturizes skin for 24 hours
-
Best to use after tattoos have completely healed
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and this is my personal preference when taking care of my tattoos. I can not guarantee how your skin will react to certain products or unknown tattoo complications due to its use. Use at your discretion.
​
More Aftercare
​
When you leave the tattoo shop, your ink will look like a million bucks. It will be bright and shiny. That’s not going to last. The tattoo will fade over time. Always put sunscreen on it after fully healed, especially in the summer, to keep the colours bright -- SPF 45 or higher is best.